Vice President, Horticulture

Vice President, Horticulture

Location: St. Louis, Missouri (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Reports to: President & Director

Work Environment: Office + outdoor garden environments; occasional evenings/weekends/holidays; domestic & international travel as needed.

About the Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a world-class institution dedicated to discovering and sharing knowledge about plants and their environment to preserve and enrich life. Our gardens are central to how we welcome and inspire the public-connecting people with plants through beauty, education, and stewardship.

The Opportunity

The Vice President of Horticulture provides visionary leadership for the development, maintenance, and enhancement of the Garden's landscapes, conservatories, nurseries, and horticultural displays. This executive leader ensures horticultural excellence, design innovation, and sustainable practices that advance the Garden's mission and elevate the visitor experience.

As a key member of the leadership team, the VP of Horticulture will shape a long-term strategy for horticulture, steward significant cultural landscapes, and lead the creation of dynamic exhibitions and seasonal displays that celebrate plant diversity and engage the public. The role builds a collaborative, people-first culture-attracting and developing talent, supporting professional growth, and championing operational excellence across a high-performing division.

What You'll Do

Division Leadership & Vision

• Develop and implement a long-term strategic framework for horticulture (gardens, conservatories, and displays) aligned with institutional goals and the Garden's strategic plan.
• Foster cross-divisional collaboration and a culture rooted in creativity, innovation, and excellence.
• Partner closely with the President, leadership team, and the Horticulture Mission Council to advance shared priorities.

Garden Design, Displays & Guest Experience

• Oversee the design, development, and management of world-class horticultural displays, conservatories, and nurseries that inspire visitors and reinforce the Garden's leadership in botanical display and education.
• Steward cultural landscape features-protecting heritage while advancing new, innovative design.
• Lead conceptualization and delivery of exhibitions and seasonal displays that deepen public engagement and interpret plant and ecosystem diversity.
• Collaborate across research, conservation, and education functions to position living collections as expressions of botanical knowledge and conservation.
• Ensure exceptional garden maintenance and an outstanding guest experience.

Operational & Financial Stewardship

• Lead division budgeting, staffing, and resource planning with transparency and strategic alignment.
• Champion operational efficiency and best practices across horticultural operations and infrastructure.
• Partner with Institutional Advancement and Grants teams to secure philanthropic and institutional funding.
• Support major capital improvement projects alongside Facilities Support & Construction and Advancement partners.

Institutional Representation & Partnerships

• Serve as an ambassador for the Garden's horticultural leadership in public and professional forums.
• Engage donors, partners, and community stakeholders in support of horticultural initiatives.
• Strengthen partnerships with public gardens, universities, and horticulture networks to expand influence in innovation, education, and public engagement.

Leads

• 4 direct reports | ~57 total staff

Required Experience & Expertise

• 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership in public garden management, horticultural design, or botanical leadership, including 5+ years in a senior executive/director-level role.
• Recognized leadership in botanical horticulture design and landscapes.
• Demonstrated success building and leading high-performing teams delivering exceptional results.
• Strong strategic planning capability with measurable outcomes and impact goals.
• Proven fiscal leadership (budgeting, forecasting, strategic resource allocation).
• Deep knowledge of horticultural science, design principles, and cultural landscape preservation.
• Strong record of grant acquisition, donor engagement, and philanthropic stewardship.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort engaging the public in a welcoming, service-oriented way.
• Ability to represent the institution effectively in international and cross-cultural contexts.

Education

• Ph.D. preferred in horticulture, landscape architecture, botany, or related field; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered for exceptional candidates.

Additional Qualifications

• Scheduling flexibility for occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays (events, donor engagement, board meetings).
• Must be able to pass background screening and, as applicable, meet motor vehicle underwriting criteria.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a passport; secure visas/clearances/vaccinations required for international travel.
• ISA Certified Arborist is a plus.

Why Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to lead horticulture at one of the nations' premier botanical institutions where beauty, science, education, and conservation meet. You'll shape living landscapes that inspire millions, mentor talented teams, and advance horticultural innovation with global relevance.